New Set Up Want to do it right

[Joe Masini]

Hi all I am new to chasing. I have read alot of the forum and have learned many a new things. This being said I want to start to purchase equipent to set up my chase vehical. That being said I currently have a Dell lap top with GR2AE and GR3 installed, with Allisonhouse feed
So the latest and greatest set up would be:

1. A RAM mount
2. Microsoft life Camera for the dash
3. A Delorme GPS for the GRLevelX programs or the NUVI? which is best?
4. A Canon 7D camera
5. Unsure about the video camera.
6. A good NOAA radio I have an old one right now.
7. AT&T for the internet

What do you think? any changes or mods? What would do if you could get what ever you want. (Not sayingg that I could but just want to know) what would be a good video camera?

Thanks for all the help.

 

[Wes Carter]

3. A Delorme GPS for the GRLevelX programs or the NUVI? which is best?

None of the above. Get a USB GPS puck that has a NMEA compliant output and is compatible with Windows Vista and Windows 7. Many people use the Globalsat BU-353, which is an awesome puck. It's weather sealed and tough as nails. And it works well. The Microsoft/Pharos USB puck is less expensive but is not weather sealed which really isn't a problem because you can just put it on your dashboard and it will work perfectly. You can buy a year old version of Microsoft Streets and Trips for less than $25 that comes with a free GPS puck. You can't beat that, and it works great.

But lately I have been using the Globalsat Bluetooth GPS and I love it. It eliminates one more cable which is cool with me. The rechargeable battery lasts about 8 hours, so it will last long enough for most chases.

One thing I would like to add is that most new chasers seem to focus on having the right gear, but the right gear is only a part of the equation. Learning what it takes to get a supercell to form and how to tell when the conditions are favorable for tornado development are essential to maximize your chances of seeing something. And most importantly, you need to know how to identify the parts of the storm from visual cues not only in order to see something worthwhile, but also to stay out of harm's way. Nothing beats going into the field with someone that knows what they are doing in order to learn how to chase. But that might be hard to do, especially living in New York. It's not impossible, there is a fellow that lives in NYC that chases quite a bit every spring and does very well. One of the people that taught me a lot about chasing lives in upstate New York. But I'd also recommend you get Storm Structure 101 from Mike Hollingshead to get a head start since this is the off season.

 

[Gordon Spencer]

I would reconsider your choice of AT&T . Best Data coverage overall belongs to Verizon . Guess it really depends where you plan to do majority of your chasing.

Hi all I am new to chasing. I have read alot of the forum and have learned many a new things. This being said I want to start to purchase equipent to set up my chase vehical. That being said I currently have a Dell lap top with GR2AE and GR3 installed, with Allisonhouse feed
So the latest and greatest set up would be:

1. A RAM mount
2. Microsoft life Camera for the dash
3. A Delorme GPS for the GRLevelX programs or the NUVI? which is best?
4. A Canon 7D camera
5. Unsure about the video camera.
6. A good NOAA radio I have an old one right now.
7. AT&T for the internet

What do you think? any changes or mods? What would do if you could get what ever you want. (Not sayingg that I could but just want to know) what would be a good video camera?

Thanks for all the help.

 

[Skip Talbot]

1. A RAM mount

2. Microsoft life Camera for the dash

A popular pick for sure. Another option is an old camcorder if you have one gathering dust somewhere. You can pick up an ezcap device that can turn the camcorder into a USB webcam. You'll probably get a better zoom and lighting range with the camcorder.

3. A Delorme GPS for the GRLevelX programs or the NUVI? which is best?

Definitely go with Wes' tips.

4. A Canon 7D camera

A nice camera. If you're looking to save a few dollars, the 60D and T3i (or even the T2i) will take the same pictures as they have the same processor and sensor. The 7D has two processors which makes it a fast sports shooter camera (and more expensive). The fast frame rates aren't really needed for chasing, so unless you do shoot sports, I'd spring for a 60D and T3i. They've got several nice new features like a swivel screen and extra movie shooting capabilities (answer to your video camera question).

5. Unsure about the video camera.

Try shooting video on your DSLR for starters. Get a camcorder if you need more than that. Many chasers, myself included, find it difficult to juggle two cameras at once.

6. A good NOAA radio I have an old one right now.

A cheap handheld scanner might work for this. Then you can tune into the 2m ham band that many chasers chat on too. I used to have the wx radio going a lot on chases, but the past couple years I've gotten into the (possibly bad) habit of just picking up my watches and warnings through Gr and AH feeds on the laptop.

7. AT&T for the internet

Go with Gordon's tip. ATT has rather poor coverage in some parts of the plains. You can get a Verizon or Sprint data plan resold through Millenicom with no contract:
http://www.millenicom.com/

 

[Joe Masini]

Wow thanks for all the help. Since its the off season I want to get all ready for 2012. You guys gave me a lot to consider.

 

[Ben Holcomb]

I would say it depends on whether or not you value still pictures over video. If you want to shoot video, it's easier for starters and probably less of a chance you'll miss capturing stuff in your early years. I would echo Skips sentiments on a T3i or 60D. Unless you just have an unlimited money tree, save a few bucks and use the money you save for chasing. You'll learn more that way.

While I wish I could have had the best equipment when I first started out, having less than awesome equipment has allowed me to figure things out for myself so when I was able to afford decent equipment I've been able to use it. If I had been given a HD video camera and a nice DSLR camera from the beginning I wouldn't have learned how to get myself into position for the good shots. I'm still learning a lot, but have slowly progressed with a nice video camera then a nice still camera.

 

[Mark Blue]

There a lots of good video camcorders out there, but it does depend on what you prefer (still or videos) as to whether you need a DSLR, a camcorder, or both. I'm anything but wealthy and I went through what you are going through right now about five years ago. If you have the budget to get your gear lined up before you go out and chase that 's a good thing, but don't under estimate the importance of forecasting as others have mentioned. When it comes to a camcorder you'll want to get something that works well in low light conditions. If you search the ST forum well you'll find quite a few interesting threads on this subject. There is a website called Camcorderinfo that has a ton of in-depth reviews on every model out there. Here's a link to their website: Camcorderinfo. I use a Canon HV-40 myself as it's the last of a dying breed in that it uses Mini DV tapes. I guess it all depends on whether you want a consumer or prosumer style camcorder. Once you have your camcorder you can add all kinds of extras like lenses, lens hoods, external microphones, wind muffs for the microphone, etc. I'd also take a good hard look at the Pentax Kx as an entry level DSLR. There's a group of chasers here who are Pentax aficionados and as far as photo quality is concerned take a look at Jim Saueressig's photos around the forum.

As far as what you asked about GPS pucks I'd just go with what Wes advised you. Just an FYI, there's a sticky note at the top of this sub-forum with a ton of GPS advice in it.

What Gordon said is also true. AT&T will not be a good choice for the plains. If you want to lock in on a 2 year contract go with Sprint or Verizon, however, if you are only going to need a datacard for a couple of months out of the year for chasing, check out Millenicom (what Skip said).

Since you already have licenses for GRL3 and GRAE with an Allison House data feed, it leads me to believe you have some sort of decent budget to work with. There are a ton of placefiles and customizations one can add to both GR products to make them much more flexible and useful. Maybe you are aware of the GRLevelXStuff forum, but if not check it out here GRLX as there are a ton of different tools you can use and plenty of things to learn about the products for hard core users.

If Ram makes a custom mount for your vehicle you're all set, but if not don't forget to check out Jotto Desk as they have a universal model that will fit most vehicles on the roads these days. If you have any other questions just fire away as we are here to help!

 

[Jason Foster]

Joe...I'll second the choice of internet access (if you plan to travel west). AT&T is great on the east coast (I'm down in DC...east coast like you), so keep it here, but the Millenicom suggestion is a good one. It is how I'm going from this point forward. I just got AT&T (and the iPhone), and let my Verizon voice & special Sprint data account go.

 

[Joe Masini]

Ok, the Camera down grade makes sense I used to shoot a lot in my 20's (Olympus OMG, still have it, took great photos), I agree with the internet access as well. Question is I guess can get just a data card for internet use only and not a phone line?

I own a business (Rebar Fabrication) and I have 5 At&t accounts (drivers and Partner etc..) Thats why I asked, (yeah they are not so great here in NY as well, but had to get the iPhone).

I do plan on getting the Storm Structure 101 from Mike Hollingshead DVD.

I guess I could run out to Pa and start chasing there just to get the feel. But I really want to try chasing in the Alley, prehaps there is a team of you that might plan a chase trip I would be interested in going and picking up a chunck of the tab (Rebar Research? LOL).

Thanks for all the Help.........

 

[Bill Hark]

Joe, I think you'll have a good set up as per the previous responses. I'll add a few more suggestions:

I really think one should have a dedicated video camera and there are decent slightly older models that can be purchased. I recently bought another Canon HV20 off of EBAY. Amazon also has nice links to resellers. Just make sure the camcorder has a way of focusing to infinity so that the autofocus doesn't focus on window drops or go in and out due to rain and poor contrast. I would also suggest a tripod and windshield mount. You can shoot steady video relatively safely while driving or parked with a windshield mount. I use an old Video Innovators mount that is not available. With lighter camcorders, many chasers use a suction cup mount on the windshield. I've seen these used on both major storm chase series and while out in the field. Maybe someone can chime in with the exact necessary parts. With a quick release mount on the camcorder, you can easily switch between the windshield mount and a tripod. While the video camera is mounted, you can take stills. I use a DSLR (old NIKON D200) and a small Canon ELPH. I can shoot with the Canon, one handed while driving or a quick, hold out the window and aim in the general direction.
This tornado image was taken by me with the point and shoot held out the drivers window since a bump had caused my Nikon to roll out of reach.
http://www.harkphoto.com/052410tornadochurch.jpg


Storm Structure 101 is very good as mentioned. I would also suggest getting Tim Vasquez' Storm Chase Handbook (also available as a e-book) and Severe Storm Forecasting book.
http://www.weathergraphics.com/

I don't know your budget but if you get a chance, attend the National Storm Chaser Convention in Denver during President's Day weekend. There are a number of really good forecasting lectures, spotter training and the chance to meet chasers of all experience levels along with some equipment and some chase DVD's for sale. The schedule is not yet done for 2012 but here is the website.
http://chasercon.com/

Bill Hark